Design and Testing of an Unguided Rocket with Thermobaric Warhead for Multiple Launcher System

Abstract

This paper presents the development, testing and evaluation of a new unguided rocket equipped with a thermobaric warhead. The aim of the research was to design the ammunition to be integrated with an existing multiple launch rocket system. This condition introduced limitations of dimensions, mass and mass distribution. The experimental work consisted also in optimisation of the thermobaric composition and configuration. The resulting ammunition was tested for determination of effective range and precision. The destructive effect was evaluated by live firing against non-armoured vehicles and masonry light structures.

Aluminized Enhanced Blast Explosive Based on Polysiloxane Binder

“…The calculated v s (TNT) for the same charge at the same point, using Rankine-Hugoniot equation [62][63][64], is 742 m/s, equation (4). The needed overpressure is calculated in equation (5).…”

“…This result is very close to the TNT shock front velocity at 2.5 m. As the shock front velocity is a function of the overpressure, v s = f(p), equation (4), we should have equal overpressure 2.5 m from the TNT charge and 3.5 m from the H-TBX charge. According to the revised Sadovsky formula, equation (5) [61], the overpressure of 2.7 kg TNT at 2.5 m is 433.7 kPa. The same overpressure is generated by 7.4 kg TNT at 3.5 m. Difference in fireball shapes on Figure 6a and 6c are caused by booster placement, but it had no influence on detachment time or fireball radius.…”

“…The positive and negative features of the formulations are briefly outlined there. Experimental details on the performance of IPN/Mg and IPN/Mg/Al mixtures were recently published by Iorga et al [5]. Later variations of the formulation use IPN, hexogen, aluminum (Al), and fumed silica as thickener [2,6].…”